Sciatica Overview

Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms like: pain, weakness, numbness, burning or tingling in the leg. Sciatica can be caused by lumbar hernaited disc, degenerative disc disease, lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis. As a disc degenerates and breaks down, the inner core can leak out through the outer portion of the disc. This condition is known as a disc herniation, which puts direct pressure on the nerve. In consequence of aging or trauma, the intervertebral disc can be damaged or degenerated. Loss of disc height can cause bulging of the disc, putting pressure on the nerves exiting the spine. Disc degeneration and facet joints overloading can cause their arthritic overgrowth. This resultant loss of space in the foramen can cause squeezing or pinching of the nerve roots as they exit the spine. This condition is called Lateral Stenosis. Spondylolisthesis is a common lumbar spine problem when the disc is unstable and allows the upper vertebral body to slide forward.